Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Blood Parrot Cichlid
Also called Blood parrot, Parrot cichlid
From Man-made hybrid first produced in Taiwan around 1986, generally thought to come from crossing the Midas cichlid with the redhead cichlid (Vieja melanurus). It does not occur in the wild.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Rounded, deep-bodied hybrid cichlid
A round, chunky fish with a small, beak-like mouth, a raised forehead and large eyes, giving it a cartoon-like look. Males usually grow a little bigger than females.12
Personality what they are like
Usually calm and a little shy, often hiding or cruising mid-water, but it can hold its own if pushed and will eat very small fish that fit in its mouth.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderately active swimmer that also likes places to retreat, so caves and decor are appreciated.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A hearty eater, so strong filtration and regular gravel cleaning help keep the water clear of leftover food. Foods sized for its small mouth are available.1
Home where they are happiest
Sources differ on tank size: about 30 US gallons (around 115 L) for one fish plus about 10 gallons for each extra, up to a recommended 55 US gallons (around 210 L) plus 20 gallons per extra fish. Temperature about 24-27 °C (76-80 °F), pH 6.5-7.4, hardness 6-18 dGH.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Omnivore. Sinking cichlid pellets as the staple, with occasional frozen treats such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.21
Company who they like around
Does well with peaceful fish of similar size, for example yoyo loaches, larger tetras, gouramis, plecos and calm cichlids. Avoid tankmates small enough to be swallowed.21
The story where it all began
The blood parrot was bred in Taiwan in the mid-1980s by crossing Central American cichlids. Its unusual round shape and bright colours made it a fixture of the aquarium trade, and breeders have since produced further colour forms and the larger 'King Kong' type.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The blood parrot is entirely a product of fish breeding and has no wild population.2
- 2
The 'King Kong parrot' is a larger red-to-yellow form of the hybrid.1
- 3
Its name comes from its rounded, beak-like mouth, which gives the face a parrot-like look.1
- 4
With good care a blood parrot can live 10 to 15 years.2
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy
- Aquarium-bred hybrid with no scientific name; parentage commonly given as Amphilophus citrinellus x Vieja melanurus1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Blood Parrot Cichlid. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Blood Parrot Cichlid?
Feed your Blood Parrot Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and since they are hearty eaters, strong filtration helps manage leftovers.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Blood Parrot Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores, so a staple of sinking cichlid pellets with occasional frozen treats like brine shrimp and bloodworms works well. Avoid any food that is too large for their small mouth or that could be swallowed whole by tankmates.21
How much space does a Blood Parrot Cichlid need?
A single Blood Parrot Cichlid needs at least 30 US gallons (about 115 L), with 10 extra gallons per additional fish, up to a recommended 55 US gallons (around 210 L) plus 20 gallons per extra fish. This gives them room to swim and retreat.21
What temperature, light or water does a Blood Parrot Cichlid need?
Keep the water temperature between 24-27°C (76-80°F), pH 6.5-7.4, and hardness 6-18 dGH. They appreciate moderate lighting and plenty of caves or decor for hiding.21
How often should I clean a Blood Parrot Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse using old tank water. Regular gravel cleaning also helps keep the water clear. Furry Diary plan
Can a Blood Parrot Cichlid live with others?
Yes, they do well with peaceful fish of similar size, like yoyo loaches, larger tetras, gouramis, plecos, and calm cichlids. Avoid tankmates small enough to be swallowed.21
How long does a Blood Parrot Cichlid live?
With proper care, a Blood Parrot Cichlid can live between 10 and 15 years. A stable environment and good diet help them reach their full lifespan.12
Can I handle a Blood Parrot Cichlid?
It's best not to handle them as they are delicate fish; they prefer to swim and hide. Use a net only when necessary, and always handle with care to avoid stress or injury.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Blood parrot cichlid en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, parentage, size, lifespan, body, colours, temperament, tank size, diet
- Aquarium Source: Blood Parrot Cichlid aquariumsource.comused for size by sex, lifespan, tank size, water parameters, diet, tankmates
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.